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Release the Kraken! Round 3

Shouting cascades from further up the hill, where the budding town of Damballah's Gift is being built - and now, where Tex runs with a group of five guardsmen towards the fray.

They are, it turns out, a little late. The beastling crossbow bolts rain down on the kraken, and Istiel's stonelike fists pound and batter the beast's undead cartilidge, but it is Imix's blast of positive energy that sends the creature back into death, the dull light fading from its eyes as it rolls onto its side and settles, tentacles dropping with a squish around you.

The letters carved into the kraken's hide taunt you, their flowing script that of the Three Peoples. Meddle not in our affairs!

"So, uh, anyways," Latha says, appearing besides you, her crossbow still pointed at the now-just-dead beast. "You meddling with the Stormreaders? Only folks I know around here powerful enough to bring that back to life."

Mechanics:
will save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

Istiel continues to rip into the creature's foul hide, her fists striking so hard they make puncture holes in some places. Even as the undead tentacles cease their writhing and its entire form starts to deflate she punches, making as sure as she can it was not going to get back up. The voices in her head all sing praises to her skill and celebrate the glory gained by defeating such a potent foe.

Her eyes catch the carved script set into the creature's flank, and not only does a sneer appears behind her mask, but the voices in her head all turn angry and vengeful. "The Stormreaders attacked US." The monk states loudly at Latha's remark. "We were protecting your people. Our people. Then they send this to kill. Destroy. Intimidate."

She clenches a rotten-smelling and oily fist, and looks to Oios. "We must answer this!" Istiel starts to walk away from the re-dead thing, her entire body still covered in obscene amounts of mud.


LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

"Animation of something like this..." Imix trails off "Suggests an enormous amount of power. If this was meant to be a warning, I am cautious estimating their full power."


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

We gave them tribute. WE offered to give them 'Dreamers' when next they came. Oios says. I do not know why they would think we were meddling with them.


==================
Arodus 1
==================

"They are seers." Latha says, slinging her crossbow. "Perhaps they see things that we do not. Or, they simply don't want you here, and your presence runs counter to whatever plans they have? Regardless, I must report this to our Senate. Damballah's grace to you. Bury your dead one - it could have been much worse."

==================
Arodus 2
==================

The morning light sees a flotilla of bullboats steadily making their way towards your island. This time, your guards are ready, arrows nocked ready for release against any threat.

It is, perhaps surprisingly, Latha again, this time with a contingent of soldiers, and a handful of senators, including the Speaker Orix. The wooly-headed beastling shakes his shaggy head as he climbs from the bullboat, and then adjusting his robe, steps forward, a noticeable limp in his gait as he does so.

The magic of the Senate chambers not available to him, the Speaker relies on Latha to translate, while the soldiers spread out along the levee, weapons drawn, wary.

"We were attacked yesterday. Fifty of the long-dead denizens of this city rose from the waters as our hunters returned from their daily work. We lost most of our hunters in the ambush, and then the fouled dead rampaged through our home..."

Orix trails off, his eyes closed as he breathes his anger out. You notice one sleeve of the Speaker's robe trail up his arm, where it looks as if the beastling's hair has been scorched from his body. Orix waves off your stares. "Friendly fire. We put the fouled dead down, but lost two more score of our people in the fight. Latha tells me you were attacked yesterday as well. There was no message left for us, but there didn't need to be."

Again the Speaker pauses, this time looking over the growing group of Gifters assembling on the levee. "It is time I think to discuss our mutual problems."

Murmurs run through the assembled - and still growing - crowd, until Lady Bellet steps forward, and the onlookers fall silent. She wears a once-fine dress, muddy and torn, but the woman's posture is just as commanding as ever. Her eyes flair as she turns and addresses the onlookers.

"We should also discuss what happens with us next. Oios, your claim to leadership was while we were in flight." Bellet gestures up the levee, towards Damballah's Gift.

"It seems we've landed."


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

==================
Arodus 2
==================

Istiel meets the contingent of soldiers and senators with folded arms, her tall and imposing frame at the front of their guards when the beastpeople make land. She does not move as the soldiers spread out along the banks, weapons bristling, caring not to give them room. Nor does she immediately comment as Latha explains the situation while two hazel eyes bore into the fox's own.

"There is only one solution." The monk finally says to the assembled beastlings, ignoring the murmurs of the crowd behind them and Lady Bellet's call for a change of leadership in the flight. She would let Oios handle such matters.

"We make the Stormreaders pay the same price. One dead for every one of ours. No... talk. No negociation. We destroy them if they do not accept this price." She says harshly in her stilted Tkoyah before gesturing with her head towards Orix. "Latha, tell him. We are the Children of Damballah. You are the Children of Damballah. It is simple. We will defend each other."


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

==================
Arodus 2
==================

That is not quite for us to decide. Oios says clapping Isitel on the shoulder briefly before raising his voice to address those assembled. The Lady Bellet is right. We have found a new home. Among allies and friends. he nods at Orix. Damballah will that we will never be forced to flee again though we are faced with enemies here also who we must decide how to confront. The Flight itself was unprecedented, we had no laws to govern how we would become refugees driven from our Valley, and so we have no laws on what to do next here in Damballah's gift. The Elders of our community will convene and we will decide on that weighty matter and how to transition from what we were, and what we are, to what we will be. The convening of this assembly, and chairing it, and then presiding over transition, will be my last acts as Head of The Flight.

Give us a week, Orix. He says to the Speaker of the Senate. It will be no longer than that. We do not have the luxury of much time to deliberate internal matters because of the external threats.


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

Istiel grunts at Oios' assertion it was not for them to decide, and though she is wordless at the moment the old man can feel the tenseness of her formidible shoulders under the black silk robes.

She listens to the pretty words and the reasons for choosing of new leadership, stoic behind her lacquered mask and in apparent, silent consent to the handling of transfering the flight's leadership.

But at the time frame given to decide what their next course of action should be, she gives a Oios an incredulous look. "A week?" The monk begins, voice the timbre of smoldering coals. "One of ours was killed by the Storm Readers. A priceless long ship destroyed. The beastlings suffered many losses. Their hunters are dead!" The coals spark and grow in color, from a deep red disagreement to a bright orange anger as Istiel raises a scarred and bruised fist to chest height.

"Our brothers. Sisters. They are under attack. We are under attack. We cannot wait a week! We cannot wait at all! They will send more to kill!" She shouts at Oios, unafraid of challenging him in front of the entire settlement. "You know we must do this. You. Me. Imix. No one could stand up to the Stormreaders until now. But we can! We will!"


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

The elder council may decide to put off the talks and the transition for a while until this threat to us is resolved. Oios grouses, irritated at Isitel's insubordination. But you will not decide this. As the carrier of the tradition of the monks of the Three Peoples you will of course be a part of the council and may repeat your points there and be a part of the decision.


==================
Arodus 2
==================

"We are at war," Orix says. "A foolish assault on their island will all but end both of our peoples. Let us spend the week - or more - to buffer our defenses."

==================
Arodus 3
==================

The next day, Lady Bellet, Telowo, Texikuk, and the soldier-leaders, Antuk and Sarre wait for you in Bellet's house - the largest house so far built (or mostly built, as the case may be) - with Damballah's Gift.

The sitting room is spacious, but barren. The walls were recently framed in and cladded with wood, but there is not yet any furniture.

Most of the guests sit on the floor, though both Sarre and Antuk stand. Antuk stands rimrod straight, never relaxing his posture, while Sarre leans against a wall and picks at her fingernails, seemingly bored.

"Welcome," the Lady says, clasping her hands in front of her. "And thank you to Oios for setting this meeting of our elders. It is time, I think we'd all agree, to move on. And part of moving on, is as Oios agreed, is for our leader to give up his command of our Flight, and let those of us with more, ahem, refined sensibilities reign."

"Please, have some hardtack. Ogwe made it this morning. I don't mean to rush a decision, but there really is no decision at all. As the only one with noble blood left within the Flight, I should lead Damballah's Gift, with guidance from Damballah's servants, of course."

The Lady smiles, and waves her hand, palm up around the room, to you, Damballah's servants.


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

Oios nods at the Lady. Returning to something as close to the old ways as we are able is one possibility, but not the only one my lady. Especially considering the old ways... failed. Having spread that explosive paste and tossed a fire stick into it he waited to see the reaction.


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LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

Imix freezes at Oios' words. Upbringing and experience war within the Suriname. 'Easiest to address the first point first'.

"This is untrue, lady Bellet. I do not doubt the blood in your veins, but I also have noble blood. Of course, no Suriname can rule" he hesitates "under the old ways, at least. Further, while your bloodline is of the highest purity, my medical knowledge suggests you are unlikely to bear another child to continue that bloodline."
He hesitates again "Suriname are not forbidden to have children, but we require the highest permission to marry." he glances at Texikuk "Permission that is rarely" probably never " given. Meaning any children we engender are illegitimate."

Now caught on the intersection of theological theory, genealogical lore and inheritance law he continues. "If we are to carry on with the old ways, you would rule. Only if you ruled I could marry, and I married, and my spouse had children, would the lineage continue long term."

"Next: I take issue with the statement that the 'Old Ways have failed'. The Old Ways were given to us by Damballah, and have always worked. Logically we have deviated from the Old Ways into New Ways, and it is those New Ways that have failed." He sighs "In truth I have heard of issues among the nobility and done nothing. Sins performed in private. Heresy laws used for political rather than religious purpose. The contract between Lord and Vassal subsumed into simple servitude."

He bows to Bellet "As the sole noble to survive, I am inclined to believe you are in fact one of the few nobles who truly kept to the Old Ways. Certainly your behaviour during the Flight has shown the survivors what a Noble should be."

"We could, of course, take up the rule of..." he hesitates "Democracy, as shown to us by our new Cousins. There is no doubt their Senate is as useful an administrative tool as our Feudal Hierarchy. It has survived far less time, but is a brave experiment. I, personally, have been impressed by the meritocratic nature of their elections and the cunning of their Senators."

"A Theocracy is a possibility, but I believe it is the politicisation of the clergy that was ultimately responsible for the failure of the Empire. I would suggest some sort of..." he hesitates, grasping at concepts alien to his being "Separation? Independence? Religious institutions banned from power but given oversight? I had assumed I had been born for some great Purpose, but perhaps it was simply to ensure the Suriname institution - renowned for its independence and impartiality - existed to serve as a model."

"If we do abandon the Old Ways, how many of them do we abandon? Can Suriname rule? Marry? Can monks? Priests?"


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

By The Old Ways I of course meant the way things were in the Valley right before it was subverted and swept away by the Flame. Oios points out I would suggest that they were not Damballah's way or that at least, over the years, the institutions we developed to serve Damballah, and so the Three Peoples, stopped doing so. Perhaps now would be a good time to try and understand why we were so helpless before The Flame?


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

"We were weak." Istiel responds to Oios' last question, having sat down to help herself to hard tack as Imix goes on about the possibility of different government systems. She has unfastened the lower half of his mask and dropped the veil that covers her mouth, and is carefully selecting the biggest biscuit available. "There were no real threats. The Mountain Men fought each other. We lived in peace."

A piece of hard tack disappears under Istiel's veil, and she speaks while she chews. "So we must be strong. We waste time speaking of what could be instead of becoming stronger. We have Lady Bellet. Let her rule while we deal with threats." Istiel swallows, turning her hazel eyes to the noble woman whose house they occupy. "Still, there must be change. The monks were unable to teach The Forms until the student had taken their new name. The Emperor forbid it. Yet The Forms do not lead to Ascenion. The Journey is not needed to fight. The Journey is to take the first step to godhood. Many come to me now seeking strength. They want to fight. To protect. I cannot teach them The Forms until they take The Journey. But many will die. Too many." She leans forward, putting the rest of the biscuit in her mouth.

"If we are to fight, I must teach. If I am to teach, this must be changed. The one in power must change it. I will not break my vows to follow our laws. But the laws I follow can be changed." Istiel address the Lady, before looking to Oios and Imix. "Old Ways or New Ways. We must decide quickly. Change quickly. Lady Bellet is the quickest."


==================
Arodus 3
==================

Silence settles over the room. The Bellet's face is placid and unmoving, more like a sculpture than a person. Telowo rises and, looking at the floor, his voice quivering, he breaks the silence.

"I am no longer our Priest - where is our Priestess, by the way? She was invited! Anyways, I am no longer our Priest, but in her absence, I will speak. To divorce the clergy from power is exactly what our enemies want. I lost my faith - and power - and this made us weaker. Any weakening of our church will do the same. A church without authority is nothing but a cult!"

Normally a gifted orator, Telowo sputters at the end and trails off, obviously unprepared to address an idea that would have never occurred to the former Priest to begin with...

Texikuk clears her throat, nervous, and begins...

"I agree wi--"

Bellet's door swings open, and removing his hat, the Farmer Fulton strides through the door, followed by Oios's sister, Anayda, Suuha, the monk, and Helgya, the hermit woman and healer.

Mechanics:
1d20 ⇒ 131d20 ⇒ 131d20 ⇒ 2


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

More elders Oios nods at the newcomers. If you had wished to join then you could have talked to me instead of just barging in like this, but, as I am in charge of this meeting, I have no objection to you joining this council and adding your wisdom. So shall it be.


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==================
Arodus 3
==================

Tex stops and turns to the newcomers, while Fulton, almost casually, starts speaking, nodding to Oios as he begins, acknowledging the Shadow's inclusion. "Forgive the intrusion. Word has gotten out that you were meeting. If I'm honest, and I always try to be..."

"Most all of ya are outsiders. Shadeholme was always, ah, a liminal place - neither here nor there, part of the Empire, but on the edges. We had a bit of freedom that others in the Valley did not. And I guess that makes us a little... less trusting of 'how things are supposed to be done' you know?"

"Anyways, it is a bad look for you all to be meeting, and deciding how we shall be ruled, without consulting those of us that are to be ruled."

Sarre looks up briefly from her nails a small smirk playing across her lips, while Anayda starts speaking. The woman shakes as she speaks, her fists clenched, her eyes fire.

"The snake rotted from the head, and I. lost. everything. I'll be dead before I'm ruled by nobles, priests, and, and, bureaucrats!"

Fulton speaks softly, but his eyes are just as determined. "A lot of people lost everything. A lot of people feel the same way."


Sarre stands up from her slouch against the wall. "I agree with the farmer. And the monk."

Suuha scratches at his beard, which by now extends almost to the bottom of his gaunt ribcage. "Monk? Ist, you're making laws now?"

Having said her piece, Sarre ducks out the door, stretching her arms to the sun, and leaves the meeting. Antuk's rigid facade breaks momentarily as his eyes roll just so slightly towards the back of his head.


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

Texikuk? You were saying? and then Antuk, you will go next and then Suuha. Then everyone will have a round of having spoken and I will speak before starting the next round.

OOC:
If anyone else has missed Oios will prompt them to speak also


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

No one but Suuha could tell, but Istiel looks at the (former) monk's scraggly beard with utmost disdain. "No, Suuha. I am encouraging change." She says with an even keel, despite her apparent anti-beard sentiments.


"I, uhh," Tex trails off, before beginning again. The Excise-Head crosses her arms as she speaks, and her voice trembles, but grows stronger as she speaks."Forgive me. I am not a gifted speaker. I don't know ultimately what our governance should look like, but I believe that the Tribute is very important, and should be kept as it is. It cements civic responsibility, and builds buy-in and community through self-sacrifice."

Fulton frowns. "Pfah. Perhaps in the capital. Most Shadeholmers resented having to send Tribute to Cornucopia. You wouldn't know it because you're the taxman, unlikable, and an outsider. We never saw what we gave returned to us in equal value."

-------

Outside, through the door that Sarre left open, a crowd is gathering. It seems word has gotten around that you're meeting.

Antuk walks to the center of the room and clears his throat. The man's posture is rigid as always. As is his speaking. "We need a strong military. If we are to stay here, and have a relationship with the beastlings, we need a navy - to protect our trade and waterfront." Antuk nods towards the open doorway that Sarre just left through. "That one is... difficult, but she is well-liked by her soldiers. She is also a good scout. Let her and her soldiers range. They can scout, report back on threats. They can start forming relationships with the beastling tribes beyond the city."

------

Suuha, oblivous to Istiel's disapproval (or opting not to recognize it), smiles, his eyes genuinely warm. "Excellent! Change is needed! I'd also like suggest a change or two. Or three! I've found an herb in the swamps, that the beastlings consume, called brightleaf. They chew it raw, but it can also be steeped in warm water, like mate. It gives them energy, but for us, it is a little more... potent. Colors become more vivid, sounds richer."

Suuha's eyes fix on Istiel, intent. "Perhaps there is a way to use this brightleaf to approximate the Journey? We can create our own traditions, built off of those that came before us, but improved."

Suuha waves. "Anyways, I'd like to marry," he says, picking up the same thinking as Imix, although he was not present for the Suriname's speech. "I don't know who I'd like to marry, but I would like the option. That, in itself, seems to be a Journey worth taking, and one I don't want to deny myself."

"Also, I know we're here at Damballah's Gift and all, but why? Why not move our people into the Enclave? There's strength in numbers, and they have largely fortified their part of the city. It seems that Damballah's Gift - the spring I mean - would be easy enough to defend. There's a natural chokepoint at the entrance to the cave, that you literally have to crawl through to enter. Station some soldiers there, finish the dock to ferry water to the Enclave, and move the rest of our people there."

Suuha shrugs. "Just a thought anyways."

------

As the other talk, Bellet gravitates slowly across the room, until Imix finds her standing next to him. As Suuha talks, she leans in and whispers in Imix's ear.

Imix or Perception DC 20:
"We shall be married then. There's no need to worry about my fertility." Something in the way that she phrases her statement makes Imix think that this conceived of marriage is not a proposal, but rather a foregone conclusion - in her mind at least.

mechanics:
1d20 ⇒ 12 1d20 ⇒ 2 1d20 ⇒ 8 1d20 ⇒ 18


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

Istiel absorbs the information Suuha has provided, mullingit over some several seconds. "You were always better with herbs than me. The master shared with me other changes to The Journey when he died. A way to stay awake. I will share with you later.She inhales deeply through her nose, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms. "He always wanted it safer. Made it safer for us." Her eyes look upward, to Suuha. "But the second dose must still kill. The Journey has a Beginning. The Journey has an End. We can change some things. But not all."

The monk tilts her head at the suggestion of moving everyone into the springs. "We are not badgers. The Three People do not live in burrows. We should not, cannot hide ourselves from Aiyda-wedu's life-giving light."


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

Mechanics:
per: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Oios grunts as Suuha starts talking of drugs rather than anything of use. He also makes no motion to clear out the gathering crowd. It was their lives whose trajectory they were expounding on after all.

He also makes no motion to indicate he overheard what the Lady said to the Suriname.

He summarizes what he has has heard.

The Lady Bellet speaks in favour of a return to as close to the Old wWys as possible, her noble blood ruling with advise from the priests and priestesses of Damballah.

The Suriname provided us with many options, with the suggestion that if we do return to the Old Ways that we ensure they are the true Old Ways and that we deviated from them in the Valley.

The Monk advocates for permission to teach the Forms of her ways to make us stronger without requiring commitment to her Ascension.

Telowo speaks for the leaders of the faith to retain authority, for it is our faith that makes us strong and our faith that the Flame took pains to attack, it is obvious they fear it somehow.

Fulton and Anayda speak of their distrust of the Ways things Were, both because Shadeholme, which through the grace of our gods is the only part of our community that has survived, as far as we can tell, and because The Way Things Were failed to protect us from The Flame.

Sarre, confusingly agrees with both The Monk who wishes the nobles to return to power and Fulton, who does not. Since she is not here any longer I will guess that she wishes this discussion to be concluded quickly, that she distrusts the Old Ways, and that she believes we must make ourselves strong in arms.

Antuk also advocates for a strong military with suggestions on how it should be ordered.

Suuha wishes for us to settle with our allies the beastlings and defend Damballah's gift and that monks should be able to marry, and general improvements to our old traditions.

Texikuk advocates for the continuation of the Tribute, which Fulton disagrees with.

These are all worthy suggestions, with merit, and thought, and good will behind all of them though they do contradict each other in parts. But we get ahead of ourselves I feel, we debate what and how but we miss that those will come from a more urgent question. WHY.


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LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

WHY did we fail, I look around and I see all of us committed to our prosperity, to the safety and security of our loved ones, I see the people who dedicated themselves to the traditions that were meant to protect us, the soldier, the monks, the noble, the priest, the Auditor, he motions to each in turn before tapping himself. The Shadow. And yet we all failed.

He nods at Anayda and Fulton. The people who speak of practical reality are the ones who addressed it. We suffered and we lost despite our efforts because we trusted that our knowledge and skills were acknowledged and observed by the Mortal Son of Damballah, imbued with divine authority, the King. His decisions ruled Cornucopia, and Cornucopia ruled us all and we trusted that he was doing it well.

He was not. And he is dead, or worse, and we are here, struggling to rebuild rather than raising our families in our homes, homes that are even now being subsumed to serve the Flame.

But We Are Here by the grace of our gods. And we must learn from our mistakes. We must not forget that it is Shadeholme that survived, but also we must not forget that Shadeholme was playing host to many of the other parts of the Valley that helped it survive. I say that we cannot return to the Old Ways as they were right before the fall because they failed, and we cannot return to the True Old Ways for we do not know what they were generations ago. All we have is the revisions and refinements to those ways that we inherited from our parents and their parents before them. I say we have to make New Ways that seek to preserve the best of our traditions and not the rest.

I say we must not rely on one mortal alone to take care of us all, no matter how divine for we see that it did not work. Now that I have time to reflect without fear of blasphemy, for how can I blaspheme against a dead man? I reflect that the Mortal Son of Damballah never acted as Damballah does in our stories. Damballah was not a remote autocrat issuing demands and receiving tribute, but a father and grandfather, wise and witty, who consulted and advised all of his family. How do we replicate this? I say that we do not forget Damballah, but also do not forget the rest of his family who were at the very least near his equal. I say we have a council that has elders representing Ayida-Wedu, Anaisa-Pye, Ayizan, Ghede, Legba, Loco, Makaya, Mami Wati, Marinette, Oggun. They together will choose a Speaker for Damballah who will preside over meetings and only vote to break a tie. This council will allow for nobles, and soldiers, and farmers, and healers, and Suriname, and the clergy,to be represented and speak to all aspects of a good life, and a strong community, that will not only be safe and thrive, but be good allies, and will, eventually, grow strong enough to go back to the Valley and TAKE BACK WHAT IS OURS!

Oios stops talking and takes a sip of water. Let the second and third rounds of talks now begin. First all will discuss why The Old Ways failed, second on my suggestion of a governing council.


LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

Imix glances briefly at Bellet. 'Logical' he decides, blinking once, slowly, in quiet agreement.

"Very well. The Old Ways are ended? The new Ways to be decided? [b]"The new era has begun." Imix sighs "As it was predicted. '1516. Shadeholme, new era begins. 05-01-1767'."

"The Son of Waters was hardly isolated. Day to day ruling was largely carried out by bureaucracy. Those who surrounded him were not all corrupt - Castellan Tazzuk believed my warning, and risked his life to try to stop the Flame." Imix holds up a hand "However, I believe the decision not to send forces to Shadeholme was not punishment, but fear." Imix sighs "Had they acted as they should, sent troops to honour the pact between ruler and ruled, Cornucopia would still have fallen but Shadeholme may have survived."
Imix looks around "No guarantee a council will not fall to the same malaise."

"I support Texikuk's arguments. Many of the benefits derived from the Tribute are difficult to see. It should have paid to root out the corruption of the Flame, and had it done so we would never have known." He hesitates, diving into deeper waters "Further, Texikuk was an excellent auditor. Impartial. Understanding. Hard working. She did not take for herself." He looks to Fulton "What was needed was a counterpart in Cornucopia, tallying up what is spent, and what it is spent on, and taking it to the people."

"Even then, people are irrational. They act out of fear. Out of greed. They act without understanding. Without seeing the big picture. This is why we have a hierarchy, with those most competent to rule leading those less competent."

"What was wrong with the old ways? Competence was not rewarded. Dedication was not appreciated. Duty was not seen as a road to be travelled in both directions, but as a river that runs only one way. People were lazy, stupid, or afraid. Information was not shared. People cared more about themselves and their families than the community."


LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

Sorry, above had to be posted in a hurry, and didn't want people to wait
Imix pauses, and raises a hand "I should add that it is my belief those who successfully made the Journey are very likely the best of our people. My analysis largely excludes them." He shares a quick glance with Lady Bellet "The attributes one expects from nobility - attributes lacking recently - have been demonstrated by those fate has marked as commoners. Should we keep a noble class at all, I would suggest that today should mark the beginning of a number of new Houses."


Telowo nods along as Oios speaks, his agreement becoming more and more enthusiastic. A governing council based off of our gods makes perfect sense. False prophets and the embracing of mortal vice over heavenly virtue led to our people's downfall. Girder our governance with our heavenly values, like the frame of a building, and they will reinforce and replicate goodness for our peoples' sakes."

Fulton shrugs as Imix addresses the idea of a council. "Sure, there's no guarantee that a council shall not fall to the same malaise. But, perhaps The Three Peoples would not have fallen, perhaps the malaise would not have gripped our peoples, if more of us were allowed to participate. Shadeholme stood apart, not only because of its distance from the capital, but also because of the capital's indifference. I agree that the river only ran one way. Let us govern from a river with two currents, from mountain to coast and back."

Anayda's sentiment is as short as her temper. "A river with two currents, or we refuse to be governed."

Tex, for her part, looks stunned as Imix compliments her, the Excise Head's eyes never leaving the Suriname's gesturing body. "I. I. appreciate the support. I feel I was - am - very good at my job. There was graft and corruption in Cornucopia that certainly played a part in our downfall. We'd need to ensure that any tribute paid forward is returned, without anything being taken for the largess of the rulers - or at least as little as possible. For better or worse, our bureaucracy would be small, as befits our population."

"I do not know how I feel about a council. It seems to work fine for the beastlings, but I don't know if they are worthy of emulation. Our ways worked for a thousand years - surely they could work for a thousand more, if we refine, rather than replace, the elements taht didn't work.

Antuk paces as the others speak, his eyes on the floor. Stopping, he raises his voice. "We failed simply because our forces were inferior. Some of it was a false sense of security. Some of it was laziness and largess on the part of our rulers, our commanders. We need a better army, with better technology, and better magic. And we need Shadows that can go beyond the borders of our small city, and look for threats that can come from far away, as well as within. I like the idea of a governing council, as long as the military has a voice, and our Shadows do as well."

Suuha smiles and shakes his head gently. "We failed because our thoughts had become stagnant, and our traditions stale. Conformity and routine was celebrated, and not innovation. We need strong-thinkers and risk-takers to change, and make sure our new world is better than the old!"

Bellet frowns. "I for one hate the idea of a council. The old ways worked fine - it was simply superior forces and the very disruption of new ideas like false prophets that did us in! The new ideas weakened us, and with our house divided the enemy pounced. It could not have gone better for them, nor worse for us."

"No, a rigid hierarchy is the way to go. I am of course open to the idea of expanding the nobility, but we don't have much to work with here, to be brutally honest. A noble must have education, fine breeding, a grounding of history, and a knowledge and understanding of tradition. The Suriname would make a fine noble. As for others..."

Bellet falls silent as she looks around the room, and then to the crowd forming outside.

Anayda's jaw clenches, and her fists ball, shaking...


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

Istiel crosses one leg over the other in her seated position and lifts her head up to her temple. She makes a fist and leans her head against it, effortlessly holding her arm paralell to the floor with the same steadiness one would place their elbow on a table. The monk was visibly and purposefully looking bored as her stocism gives way to annoyance. "You are fortunate I swore an oath only to protect the Emporer. Not his name or reputation." She remarks to Oios, clearly wary of his casual blasphemy of what had been a living god, decsended from the father of their prosperity who clesses them even to this moment.

"Then make your council. Get on with it." The monk still hadn't moved from her seemingly relaxed position that surely took great effort to hold. "No matter what is picked we must train. Prepare. Become stronger. You will all need strength. No matter who is in charge."

The monk glances at Anayda. noting the anger in her body. Istiel wonders idly, if the woman burst into violence, if she was fast enough to stop her and put her in a joint lock from this strange sitting positon before she hurt anyone. Finally, a challenge presented itself, and Istiel watches Anayda carefully from behind her mask.


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

Ten on the divine council and an eleventh to speak for Damballah. Oios says mind whirring as his idea gains traction.

A priest or priestess of the member of the pantheon will always be eligible to be picked to that post. Otherwise..

Ayida-Wedu, can be a midwife.
Anaisa-Pye, can be one who wishes to be in charge of festivals.
Ayizan, must be the Excise-head.
Legba, can be an Executioner.
Loco, can be a healer or farmer.
Makaya, can be one strong in magic.
Marinette, must be the head of the military.
Ghede, shall be one of the eldest of us, and a commoner.
Mami Wati, shall be one of the youngest of us, and a commoner.
Oggun, may be a head of the rangers and has right of first refusal, if they refuse, in their stead a commoner hunter or fisher.

Nobles are eligible for all positions other than Mami Wati, and Ghede. These commoner posts will be filled by popular acclaim. If the head of the rangers does not wish to be the representative of Oggun then this will be picked by popular acclaim as well .All other posts will be decided by discussion within the council to pick from a worthy citizen.

The posts will be held for as long as the appointee is capable and willing or eight of the other council members vote to evict them.

The ten appointees will confer to choose one of them to be Speaker for Damballah, at which point the Speakers former post will be filled by someone else. This post will be renewed every year, if eight state they have no more confidence in the Speaker then they must step down.

The Shadows will report to the Speaker of Damballah

The council will decide when to go to war and with whom. But the conduct of the war will be left up to the representative of Marinette. If the war goes poorly then they may be replaced by a vote of eight indicating no confidence.

The Monks and those who learn the Forms will be special forces available to the military or the rangers as required. The council's only hold on them will be for them not to disobey the laws the council makes and not to interfere with the work of the military and the rangers.

Since these are times of war we do not have time to debate the form of our armed forces. There will be a military, headed by Antuk who will be the representative of Marinette. There will be Rangers headed by Sarre who will be the representative of Oggun if she wishes it. And there will be Monks whose order will be started with Isitel who will keep and propagate their ways.

Is this acceptable? Are there modifications to be made? Are there wholesale changes to be made? Now is the time to speak.


LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

Imix looks thoughtful "The Suriname exist outside the law, and may not hold a position of leadership, except in the fulfilment of their purpose." He looks out the doors "I have made changes to the Suriame traditions, and the Flame has made more. There are now, if my predecessor who made this place is still alive, three Surinames - unprecedented since the early days of the empire. If Suriname is not now a title to be conferred only on those revealed..."

Imix, unusually, trails off.

"What is your plan for the Suriname, Oios? Will there even be such a thing?"


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

"At least you understand where we excel." Istiel says in response to Oios' assertion that the monks should be used as special forces. "At Shadeholme we were used as soldiers. A front line. Most died. We are a stone in a sling to be thrown at the perfect moment. Or the finest police." She corrects her posture, sitting up and folding her hands in her lap.

"I will enforce the law as I swore to on the day of my birth. The others will too." She would make sure they did- it went beyond tradition. It was at the core of The Three People's culture to obey or be punished.


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

Oios looks at Imix frankly. The Suriname were kept mysterious to all and so I cannot say. Your order, like the Monks, were always a part, but also apart, from the rest of the society but even more so for you. For now I would say your magic would make you an excellent representative of Makaya, and you have your pupils as well, but from there? Oios drums his fingers. You are the one with the knowledge, bring your ideas to the council and the council can decide what to do for the title of the Suriname. Perhaps when we find Harambe we can get his thoughts as well. I know you have many questions still and it seems only he may have the answers.


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LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

"Not so far apart, perhaps. There are a number of Monks, but very rarely even one Suriname. Simple rarity often manifests as mystery."

"The Suriname were, according to legend, created to cope with the situations where society broke down. Chosen by the Gods themselves." Imix looked away "We became less and less frequent. My attempt to take apprentices is an attempt to spread the Suriname knowledge, and attempt to create a new order of..."

He stops "Suriname is perhaps not correct. Not priests, exactly. Scholars comes close. Students of history, tasked to look to the wider view. Trained in Wisdom. Wise ones. Shadows, almost, but for external rather than internal..."

He trails off.

"Perhaps Makaya? Certainly Suriname magic is more powerful than any witch or sorceror. Unlike the granted power of priests, it is shaped by intention - the reason a rogue Suriname is so very dangerous. Should we be part of society, or outside it?"

"I am also unsure how to control Suriname. Historically once our Purpose is achieved we are taught the Final Secret - the magic that makes us one of the Divine Crocodiles. I have never learned that magic - obviously - and so I am unable to teach it. This means that once a Suriname has achieved their Purpose, they will..." he looks for a word and settles on simplicity "just go on. Gaining in power, but without a Purpose to shape it."

"Down the other branch, having seen more of the world I see now that the Peoples were lacking in magic. Suriname hoarded magic, and used it wisely, but when we were attacked by witches we needed power, not wisdom."

"Perhaps a voice on the council is as useful, now, as being outside the Law. I worry that in time it will lead to the Suriname being subverted for political power."

"An educational institute and brotherhood of scholars and spellcasters would be useful - it might even reacquire the transformation magic that used to reward the Suriname, but doing so might take a lifetime..." Once again he trails off, lost in thought.

"I think... I think this might be my Purpose." he holds up a hand for time "If my Purpose is to set up a College, and the College deduces the Final Secret, then once I have fulfilled my Purpose I can still undergo The Change. I would be the longest lived of any Suriname, but not rogue."

His speech speeds up, certainty re-establishing itself. "Yes. Those chosen as Suriname are as they were. Should another be born it too will be constrained as I am, subject to the same laws, tasked to find a Purpose. My Purpose is therefore to re-establish the order that will train them - but rather than hoard those secrets, it will give them to those scholars who have sworn to use them responsibly. Those scholars will be part of Society, able to apply for a position as any other person might do."

He hesitates, certainty evaporating "I must meditate upon this, and seek counsel. It seems that this must be my Purpose, if I am not the last Suriname. In which case I must take up the Mantle of my Purpose. But is it? Am I seduced by logic and convenience?" He hesitates again "Would it indeed make any difference to what lies before us?"

"I therefore propose that I work on the assumption that it is, but await further guidance. For now I will form this College, or School, or Monastery, or whatever it is. Should Oios' proposal go forward - and it seems likely that it will - I will take the mantle of Makaya - a single voice on a council is hardly 'ruling'."

"Should the Gods grant me a divine message to tell me I have misunderstood, I will bring it before you all."

"I see that the first priority of the College will be to gather Scholars. The second will be to study The Flame - starting with how it destroyed this place. Then..." He stops "No. No, I move ahead too fast. The priority of the College, the rules of the College - these are beyond my bailiwick. They should be established by the one - or ones - who Rule."


The room falls silent as the assembled considers Oios' proposal. The sounds of conversation, speculation, and argument filter into the Lady's partially-built manor, people - seemingly the whole town - engaged in gossip and rumor-mongering.

Eventually, Fulton clears his throat. "Aherm. What about the beastlings? Do they have a representative on our council? Do we send a representative to them? And what role would the head of the - erm, friendship initiative, I guess - have on the council. Would this fall to Anaisa-Pye?"

Lady Bellet moves to the center of the room, turning slowly to address everyone. "I disagree that this is the time to experiment with new forms of governance, but I see that I won't convince enough of our people of this. So, I shall be Anaisa-Pye. Few of our people understand the fine arts of diplomacy as I do, and I've been told I throw fabulous parties."

"I will be Loco," Fulton says, looking each of you in the eye as he dons his hat. "Helgya, the wise woman," seems a good fit for Ayida-Wedu."

"So, we have:"

"Ayida-Wedu, Helgya.
Anaisa-Pye, the Lady Bellet.
Ayizan, Texikuk.
Legba?
Loco, myself.
Makaya, Suriname Imix.
Marinette, Antuk.
Ghede?
Mami Wati?
Oggun, Sarre or perhaps Lijart or Korya Kolta?"

"What about the engineers? It seems they should have a voice in our Council?"

"The speaker shall be elected by the council. The Shadows shall report to the Speaker."

"And finally, the monks shall grow their order, and the Suriname shall start one."


"Fantastic!" grins Suuha, clapping Istiel on the back. "Ist, who shall be our first monklings?"


LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

"I believe our Cousins have their own method of rulership." Imix pointed out "Certainly should any of them wish to join us, I would have no issue. Should any of ours wish to join them, so be it."

"We here have no right to decide this for all. Every member of society has the right to be governed as they wish. We cannot simply tell people they are our subjects!" Imix is scathing of the idea.

I suggest we put this to everyone. Those who agree to be governed by it may do so, those who wish a full democracy may join our Cousins. If someone wishes to put forward another idea, so be it. I suggest we allow until sunset for people to choose what they will be part of."[/b]

"Once a proposal is chosen, then we choose people to fill the roles, using the mechanism put forth by a proposal."

"Should we end up with multiple proposals, the largest will keep this place - it is indivisible - and the smaller proposals may find another. I myself intend to stay with this proposal - so those who wish another choice should be given a share of the food, given I feed everyone." Imix looks out "I hope that people will choose to be part of the largest proposal, rather than fracture our people, but I will not force them to do so."

"I suggest Lady Bellet be asked to head up the 'no change' proposal , as otherwise doubtless someone else can do so. Should support be insufficient, she would then join ours."

i.e. voting with your feet.


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

Istiel grunts when Suha slaps her on the back, casting him a weary glance. "Trainees. Not... monklings." She says, clearly affronted at the idea of giving them such a patronizing term.

Her focus returns to Oios' sister, who seems like she isn't about t do anything stupid much to Istiel's chagrin. "Anayda has the most potential." The monk says to Suuha, as if the other woman wasn't even there. "I will teach her the forms first. There are others. Beastlings. They wish to learn."

Standing from her chair with smooth and controleld grace, she tucks her hands within her voluminous sleeves and thinks. "I leave The Journey to you, Suuha. I will train them to fight. To survive it. When we are both ready we will convene. We will create a new monk."


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

Certainly those who wish to join the beastlings can do so if they will have them. And the same in reverse I think. I will be Legba if there are no objections. As for Ghede and Mami Wati, Texikuk should confer with the democracy of the beastlings and learn how to run a... nomination and... election.. for an elderly and youth commoner to serve. Same for Oggun, if Sarre does not wish to take the responsibility. It does not need to be decided right now for we must learn how to do such things the right way. Fulton speaks for the common folk in any case. But we should not wait for this to convene the first session of the council. We have had war declard on us.

As for the engineers, just as the Shadows they should report to the Speaker...for now. It may be... Oios hesitates. It may be that Hainu was only turned into a crocodile in the Valley and outside of it he was not. The ways of the gods are mysterious. I certainly have not seen our sacred animal here. Perhaps a post for an engineer would be right and necessary as a representative of Hainu. But that is for the priesthood to confer and decide.


Suhha shrugs and smiles. "Yeah, Anayda looks damn fierce. I think she'll make a good mo-- er, trainee."

"I will work to derive a new Journey, Ist. It shouldn't be too difficult, right?" Suuha gives Istiel another smile, and it is damn difficult to tell if he's being serious or not.


Ayida Wedu's nightly death comes, and perhaps unsurprisingly, no citizen leaves for the Beastling Enclave.

OOC:
Most of the Flight have not had extensive contact or communication with the Beastlings, as language and distance are a barrier. Some will know Latha of course, but in general that's about it. Additionally, more members of the Flight that have actually been to the Enclave (not counting the PCs) have been murdered than not. Your average Shadeholmer has little understanding of their peoples, nor any interest in joining them.

Also unsurprisingly, the Lady Bellet has little support outside of her own guards and a few traditionalists, for a 'no change' proposal. It seems, just like with the Beastlings, there's little support for outsiders among the bulk of the Flight's Shadeholme-born populace. Shouted down, the lady and her guard return to her home.

------
Later
------

Texikuk is gone to consult with your neighbors about their style of governance, and how to run nominations and elections, but the other members of the governing council, minus the elected positions, and plus Sarre, who has decided she doesn't want the position of Oggun, meet back at Bellet's.

"We are at war," Antuk says, rubbing his temples as if tired, "but our military is small, our village has no walls or protections, and we have no knowledge of our enemy. How do we proceed?"


LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

"While we can work on multiple fronts simultaneously, our first priority should be knowledge." Imix elaborates "Training and building will take effort. With knowledge we can see the most effective way to use that effort."
"I think our second priority needs to be developing farming. At the moment my death would see us burn through our food stores and starve. Even an embryonic agricultural industry might provide the necessary margin of safety. Texikuk could work the numbers."
"The Beastling's new weapon is impressive. Powerful, easy to use - and they already have an industry to create it. We should see if they would be willing to teach us to make them or at least be prepared to trade. If we can acquire sufficient numbers training should be mandatory."


LN Female Human Warrior 1/Monk (Unchained) 4 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (17 Tch 15 Ff) | CMB: +11 CMD: 25 | F: +9 R: +7, W: +5 (+7 vs enchantment) | Init: +2 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 40ft | Stunning fist: 4/4 | Ki: 4/4 |SP:5/5 | Dream (+2 stealth or swim): 1/1| Active conditions:

"Yes. The... arrow-tossers." She had forgotten whatever it was that Latha had called them. "With it every one is an archer. We have no trouble with food. We guard the water. For free water, they give us the arrow-tossers. We use it to guard the spring." It seemed like a simple and logical trade to Istiel.


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

We are moving from a society in flight to a society under siege. But we are hardened, and blooded, all able-bodied should be armed with at least some weapon and drilled by Antuk or apprenticed to Sarree as their skills dictate in their spare time. Isitel will also have her pick of those to see who has potential as a trainee. Should they fail there they can go back to Antuk and Sarre. The best of those should be offered positions as full time warriors. That should ensure our numbers as best as possible. We will negotiate with the beastlings for their arrow throwers

All others need to be put to work, farming as Imix suggests, fishing, scavenging, and building walls with our engineers all need to be taken care of. Farming is long term however. Texikuk and our traders should take a look at the beastling's society and see if there is anything they lack that our craftspeople are skilled in. If we can fill a need of theirs then we will be able to trade for food with craft. A better use of our crafters then moving them to one of the other tasks.

Moving to our enemy, the wasps did not seem to be masters of death magic to me, their hold over the beastlings was built on control of the weather. That we were attacked by death, means that perhaps our old enemy from the tower has joined forces with them, and perhaps even the Flame. How else would they know our words? We will tell the beastlings all we know about all three of these enemies, secrecy does us no good in this case. We will also coordinate with them, learn their strengths and weaknesses and offer aid as we can, if they fall or falter or are subverted then we will not be far behind.

I have a way of detecting death magic. Oios proclaims thumping Telowo's staff on the ground. If we can teach this to others then they can patrol as I do. Imix can your apprentices work with our budding scholar and the Lady Sarre to determine how to counter their magics? Those are the ones most well read from the library in the tower. In the lull that we have been provided our healers should work to get as many people in fighting shape as possible.

OOC:
Sorry for the spurt of text, please feel free to contradict if any idea isn't good. Also Oios has the sphere of death from his last level up. Can he teach VERY selected people, maybe the main healer, about it so they can detect undeath as well?


LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

"Agreed." Imix nods "For the sake of history we should hold off on formal assignments until posts are filled - rather than hold the elections have an assumed outcome. Once that is done, I suggest we assign each delegate - they are delegates of the gods, yes? - a job in keeping with their aptitudes and our requirements." Imix looks around "I intend to start on forming this... college."


==================
Arodus 4
==================

The nascent council, minus the vacant positions and Tex, who is still at the Enclave, meets early in the morning at Bellet's home. The smell of cookfires and breakfast waft through the Lady's open windows.

A forceful knocking on the Lady's front door interrupts your deliberations. Rising, Antuk open the door to find the wise-woman, Helga, and her apprentice, Issy, standing in the doorway. The older woman huffs and practically shoves the girl through the entryway.

"Young Iseult here has something to tell you!"

Helga's face is beat red, while all the color drains from the girl.

"I'm sorry" she wails. "Nat made me promise to wait a full day to tell you! Two nights ago, I awoke in the early morning -- I, I sleep, slept I mean, in the same lean-to as Nat. She was talking with Drazan! They gave me a look of surprise. And worry! Nat made me swear to keep my mouth shut for one day right then and there. She said she had to go north. She said she had a promise to keep. She and Drazan left a few minutes later!"

Issy's face scrunches up, and she twists the hem of her shirt. "I'm Sorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry!"


LG Male Human (Tkoyah) Expert/Inquisitor 4 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 15 (11 Tch, 14 Ff) | CMB: +5, CMD: 15 | F: +8, R: +2, W: +11 | Init: +11 | Perc: +12, SM: +14 | Speed 40ft | Agile Feet: 8/8 | Spells: 6/9 self 2/5 staff | Judgement 2/2 | Active Conditions None

Oios blinks at the bawling child. Yes, yes, stop crying now, just... be quiet. he turns helplessly to Helga Can you make her stop? Tell her she is not in trouble. There is nothing we could have done to stop either of them from doing what they wished in any case. While Nat and I had our differences, I trust her, and Drazan. Both of them had been distant the last little while in any case.


==================
Arodus 6
==================

Texikuk returns, and reports being treated well by the beastlings, even if the food was, in her opinion, "offputting." The woman scrunches her already sharp features at the recollection of whatever it was that she ate.

"Anyways," she continues, addressing the council at Bellet's still under construction ground floor, which has quickly turned into the Council's operations center, "The beastlings take nominations for roles from the community. They can nominate themselves, if they like. All their major positions are designated as 'heads' and their organizations are 'guilds.' Each head is also a Senator, and represents that guild's constituents for four annums. Then another nomination is held. If more than one nomination is held for each head, then elections happen."

"All members of the guild vote to see who will be their head. While the four year period of governance for each head is intended to turn over positions and bring in new heads and new ideas, many beastlings have told me that in practice many heads consolidate their power and last many terms before a challenger is able to unseat them."

"The elections are held in the Senate on predetermined dates, each guild election having a different day of the year. The voters tell their choice to the Senate's speaker, who then tallies the votes and declares the winner."

"The Speaker is chosen by the Senators, and speaks for the Enclave as a whole, as well as those not affiliated with guilds."

"Senators pass rules, based on the needs of their guilds, which most be voted on by all of the guilds with a majority to take effect. This means that Senators try to call in favors with each other, or make the rules as favorable to as many guilds as possible. Each Senator gets one vote, and the speaker votes as well, with their vote counting as five Senators. The Speaker also breaks ties."

Tex shrugs, taking a sip of her mate. "The beastlings say the system works fairly well, though it has its warts. Also, you probably aren't going to be surprised to know this, but it was designed by Harambe."


LE? Male Suriname Incanter 4 Warrior 1 stats AC = 20AC/12T/18FF CMB 11 CMD 22 | SpellPts = Nat 12/16 Eng 0/0 Comp = 63| Channel 5/7 | HP = 36 | Saves F: +8, R: +4, W: +4 | Speed 20ft. Status:

Arodus 4
Imix looked bitter "Hadn't Nat promised to inform Ashkesh of our new location?"
Arodus 6
"It certainly seems logical" Imix admitted "Though I question whether the relative strength of guilds is reflected in the senate's negotiations."

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